Nokian Tyres, the world´s northernmost tyre manufacturer from Finland, has won the highly respected award Tire technology of the year 2016 with Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tyre.

New Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is a genuine winter tyre designed for BMW's unique i3 electric car, and it combines extremely low rolling resistance, first-class grip, and exceptional driving comfort. The new tyre model’s size is155/70R19 88Q XL. This modern introduction to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta family represents future technology. It is the world's first winter tyre with an A energy rating. According to tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 can reduce the rolling resistance of electric vehicles even 30%.

- Range is everything to drivers of electric vehicles, and even more of a concern in cold conditions, when battery performance can be compromised. Every mile counts, so when it comes to tires, low rolling resistance is a must. Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta R2 means that this needn’t come at the expense of excellent grip in winter weather – a worthy recipient of the title, Tire Technology of the Year, says Graham Heeps, editor, Tire Technology International magazine and chairman of the judging panel.

- We are proud to be able to offer more winter grip, more peace of mind and, in particular, more range to the ever-increasing number of electric car owners with our top-class Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 winter tyre. Making transport safer and greener is a leading principle for our product development, states Juha Pirhonen, Vice President R&D, Nokian Tyres.

Nokian Tyres – from the north, mastering the extremes

Nokian Tyres, the frontrunner in the tyre industry, is known for its high-quality products, which are carefully tailored for different markets and different demanding purposes. Over half of our product development resources are spent on testing products.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta is one of the best-known winter tyre brands wherever true winter is experienced. Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tyres are born, bred and tested in the demanding northern conditions. The company has its own testing center spanning over 700 hectares in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland, to the north of the Arctic Circle. There, R&D and testing teams as well as test drivers put tyres to the real test. The Ivalo Testing Center simulates winter driving extremes from November to May, both day and night.

- We are really thankful for this significant award. This is also an excellent opening shot for 80th anniversary year of Hakkapeliittas, says Pirhonen.

About the Tire Technology International Awards for Excellence and Innovation:The Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, founded in 2008, reward the smart thinking and hard work of the tire design and manufacturing industry. The shortlist is compiled from nominations received from the readers of Tire Technology International, and with the input of the magazine's editorial team. It is then sent to the independent panel of international tire industry experts for them to cast their votes and determine the winners, with the presentations being made at Tire Technology Expo in Hanover each February. For more details, go to www.tiretechnology-expo.com.